Definitions of Yoga

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Scholars have defined classical yoga in different ways through the ages.

Yoga and yogis carry countless definitions from across ancient texts. Given below is a compilation of the principal definitions.

• Yogaschittavritti nirodha - yoga is (the science of) restraining modifications of the mind

- Patanjali Yoga Sutra: I: 02

• Equanimity of mind is yoga

- Bhagwat Gita: II: 48

• Skill in action is yoga

- Bhagwat Gita : II: 50

• Deliverance from contact with pain and sorrow is yoga

- Bhagwat Gita 6/16

• The tool with which one can realize the subtleness of Paramatma is yoga
• Yoga is the highest state in which the five senses of knowledge and the mind are static, and the intellect itself does not stir
• Yoga truly is the origin and the end
• A yogi is one who neither sleeps too little nor too much, eats too little or too much, regulated in recreation and in discharging his duties

- Bhagwat Gita 6/17